Randy Horton, who came to Pasadena High School from the college ranks three years ago to try and revamp the program is again headed back to college.
The former Oregon State player resigned in the wake of Thursday’s 37-7 loss to rival Muir in the 59th Turkey Tussle last week.
Horton was 11-21 in three seasons with the Bulldogs. Pasadena, which was without standout quarterback Brandon Cox for much of the season, was 1-9 this fall, finishing in a tie for last in the Pacific League.
“It’s time for me to move on,” Horton said Tuesday. “I’d like more time to spend with daughter, and I’m also trying to get back to the college level.
“I have two offers on the table from Division I programs and one from I-AA.”
Horton’s best season was in 2011 when the Bulldogs finished 6-6 and shared third place in the Pacific with Muir and Crescenta Valley. Pasadena, led by Cox, beat California, 57-43 in the first round of the Southeast Division playoffs before ending their season with a 55-12 setback to eventual division champion West Covina.
The Bulldogs were looking for improvement this season. But it never materialized. Cox, who is committed to Utah, broke a bone in his foot during a second-week loss to Cathedral, and Pasadena’s season spiraled downward from there, losing its first three games before finishing the season with six consecutive losses, including dropping a 37-7 setback to Muir in the Turkey Tussle. It was the Mustangs 14th consecutive victory in the series.
“I was excited for the kids to get to the playoffs,” Horton said. “I was hoping for a better season this year. I thought we had a shot to win the league and go further in the playoffs.
“But when you lose one of the top players in the area, it’s tough. We had to go with two sophomore quarterbacks and lost three lineman (to injury). It was frustrating. The kids kept fighting. I’m just happy I had the opportunity to try and change the program.”